Three quick tips to make back to school easier. By http://momshomeroom.msn.com
By Jillian
Talk with your kids about goals for the school year
This is a perfect time to involve your kids in thinking about their own goals and objectives for the upcoming year. I like to first reflect on the positives from the previous year, such as what worked well for them and how they found certain routines helpful. For instance, having an hour of free time after coming home before starting homework or limiting activities to three days, not four days a week.
What do they want to accomplish this year? It’s not just about improving grades. How about being more efficient with homework by taking a half hour television or Internet surfing break after finishing two hours of their assignments? Do they want to get more involved in sports this year or branch out into a new activity, such as student government?
Organize school and activity schedules
Summer is oftentimes full of spur of the moment activities. Back to school planning allows you to get back into a routine. Either buy a calendar or make one with your kids.
Every year I purchase the biggest calendar I can find and post it in my kitchen, a centralized area of the house. I have everyone write in their activities — piano lessons, sports practice and games, and social events. I tell my kids, if it’s not on the schedule, mom’s taxi isn’t going to be available. This allows me to figure out how to organize each school day and weekends. And when I involve my kids, they learn about responsibility. As an example, when Colette sees a visual account of her schedule on the family calendar, she understand that she must pack her dance bag in the car on Mondays, because we don’t have time to stop home before class on that day. If she forgets it, she doesn’t make it to class on time.
Transition back to healthier eating and sleeping habits
With summer barbeques and late night trips to the ice cream shop, summer eating schedules usually vary from the school year. Now is a good time to get back on track with healthy choices for school lunches and snacks. Don’t forget to explore the many options for breakfasts — your children’s’ most important meal of the day.
Take at least a week to slowly shift your kids’ sleep schedule back to meet their needs: At least ten hours of sleep for six to eleven year olds and at least nine hours of sleep for ages twelve and above. This is not easy with the longer summer days and less structured mornings. Some ways to help your child fall asleep more easily include avoiding caffeine intake six hours prior to bedtime, as well as heavy meals or sugary snacks just before it’s time to go to sleep. It’s a good idea to cut off use of electronics such as television, videogames, computers, and intense texting sessions one hour before bedtime. Close the curtains or blinds to allow more darkness in the room, as this usually provides a relaxing environment.